conduct a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"conduct a conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to holding an exchange of words between two or more people, either in person or through writing. For example: "Before the meeting, the team leader instructed the team members to practice conducting a conversation in order to be prepared for discussions with stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Barrow is a deeply religious man, and it's rare for him to conduct a conversation without referring to Christianity.

The New York Times - Sports

In the winner's circle at Churchill Downs, trainer and jockey did not need to conduct a conversation.

The New York Times - Sports

For our first classroom assignment, we're to conduct a conversation with the person next to us, and then introduce him or her to the group.

The New Yorker

But as Mr. Ali sat in the front seat and a television with the updated technology played in the back, it was hard to conduct a conversation over a Taxi TV interview with the actress Jane Krakowski.

The New York Times

Betsy's persistent invocation of "you" allows her to comment and question and judge, to conduct a conversation in which her father's physical silence matters not at all, so vocal does he seem in her mind.

The New York Times - Books

On Feb. 7, the Civic Alliance, a coalition of civic groups, environmental advocates, designers, academic centers and policy experts, will conduct a "conversation with the city" at Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Interviewing Mr. Gardner on this subject is a bit like conducting a conversation with the Riddler.

The New York Times

They point out that dialing the phone and conducting a conversation are also significant distractions.

The New York Times

Mr. Burd and I recently conducted a conversation by e-mail, and a lightly edited transcript follows.

The New York Times

In Aspen Ms. Meyers, who conducted a conversation with Ms. Keaton in front of an audience, compared her to Katharine Hepburn and Jean Arthur.

The New York Times

But Mr. Bush should not wait until a final decision before conducting a conversation with Congress and the nation about Iraq.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conduct a conversation" when emphasizing the structured or deliberate nature of the interaction, for example, in a training scenario.

Common error

Avoid using "conduct a conversation" in casual or informal contexts. Alternatives like "have a chat" or "talk" are more appropriate for everyday speech and informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conduct a conversation" functions as a verb phrase where "conduct" is the main verb and "a conversation" is the direct object. This phrase describes the act of carrying on or managing a discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conduct a conversation" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe the act of engaging in a discussion. It's particularly suitable in formal or professional settings, as it suggests a deliberate and managed approach to the interaction. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability, and while alternatives like "have a conversation" exist, "conduct a conversation" maintains a distinct nuance of formality. It’s best to avoid using it in very casual contexts where simpler terms would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold a conversation

Uses a different verb ("hold" instead of "conduct") to convey the same basic meaning.

have a conversation

Replaces "conduct" with "have", which is a more common and less formal way to express the idea.

engage in a conversation

Focuses on the active participation in the conversation.

carry on a conversation

Implies a conversation that continues for some time.

partake in a dialogue

More formal and emphasizes a two-way exchange.

exchange words

A more general term that suggests a verbal interaction without specifying the depth.

have a discussion

Implies a more in-depth and focused conversation, often about a specific topic.

undertake a discussion

A more formal way of saying "have a discussion".

impart in a conversation

Stresses the communication of information or ideas.

pursue a discussion

Suggests a conversation with a clear goal or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "conduct a conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "conduct a conversation" to describe the act of holding a discussion, for example: "The diplomats were instructed to "hold a conversation" to resolve the conflict peacefully." Using "hold a conversation" is a great alternative.

What are some alternatives to "conduct a conversation"?

Alternatives include "have a conversation", "engage in a conversation", or "hold a conversation", each with slightly different nuances in formality and emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "conduct a conversation"?

"Conduct a conversation" is suitable in formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions, where a structured or deliberate exchange is implied, instead of using something more informal such as a "chat".

What's the difference between "conduct a conversation" and "have a conversation"?

"Conduct a conversation" implies a more formal or structured approach to the interaction, while "have a conversation" is a more neutral and common expression.